The most exciting two months in sports gets off and running in short order. Sounds like a perfect time for The Gripes to give you a quick preview of each series, before putting on the prognostication hat and telling you who I think ends up surviving round one. Away we go: Western Conference- #1 Vancouver... Continue Reading →
The Gripes: The East, In Review
The NHL regular season is over, and the Gripes has returned to look back at how well (and poorly) my predictions went for the 2011-12 season. I already weaved my way through the West. This time, a look back at the East. Eastern Conference 15. Montreal Canadiens (78 Points, 5th--Northeast Division) Gripes’ Preseason Prediction: 12th... Continue Reading →
The Gripes: The West, In Review
Six months ago, yours truly stepped up to the keyboard and boldly predicted the way that the NHL’s conferences would shake out over the course of 82 games. Now that everything has played out, has Mr. Gripes proved to be a prognosticator extraordinaire? Or will Mr. Gripes be hanging his head in shame? Let’s find... Continue Reading →
The Gripes: Down The Stretch
The Pittsburgh Penguins are headed down the home stretch of the 2011-2012 season, with just 20 regular season games remaining. After 62 games, the Pens sit in 2nd place in the Atlantic Division, and their 77 points are good enough for 4th place in the Eastern Conference. As of this day, that would set them... Continue Reading →
Griggsy’s Gripes- The Pittsburgh Penguins: A Season on the Brink
It’s been a while since I’ve hurt your eyes and your sensibilities with my writing. But now is as good a time as any to burst back into your lives. Today, the Gripes sets its sights on one thing and one thing only: The Pittsburgh Penguins, A Season on the Brink.... To say the Penguins... Continue Reading →
All Things In Time
Wow. That month went by fast. Since the last update, and that was late October, business has picked up around these parts. The good news: I have really settled into my job and there's much less insanity surrounding the day-to-day life. I'm still perpetually behind the 8-ball, but that happens. Contrary to popular belief, teaching... Continue Reading →
Failtown – Population: Me
I feel like such a chump. I have not been writing as much as I would like lately, which is unfair to both myself and to all of you. Thank God for Griggsy. He's been covering up for my punk ass the last week with his Gripes and his unreal look at the Pirates. I... Continue Reading →
2011 Pittsburgh Pirates: A Season on the Brink
Foreword: I approached Griggsy the other day about writing an article about the Pirates because he is a much better and more learned fan of baseball than I am or could ever be. It just so happens that we are on similar wavelength regarding the Pirates' season and the infamous Jerry Meals safe call to... Continue Reading →
Now For Something Completely Different
I just wanted to take a few moments tonight to say a few personal thoughts. Avoid the Clap has been operating now for two weeks. It has been a truly wonderful experience. Some of you knew me from elsewhere, while others are just getting to know me now, but know this - I love to... Continue Reading →